Bradford biker goes the extra mile

One of the smallest Jewish communities in the UK is reaping the benefits of a rare level of co-operation between different faiths through fundraising.

Dave Langfield, a non-Jewish friend of Bradford synagogue, raised £2,100 with a three-day, 1,000-mile motorcycle trip around England. The money will help restore a 100-year-old Sefer Torah.

Fundraising manager Rachel Amdurer said: "There was literally a gasp in the room. We only expected a small amount. If he had made £500 I would have been happy."

Mr Langfield, 52, a keen bike rider since the age of 17, said: "I enjoyed every minute."

However, Mr Langfield and trip partner Matthew Marshall, who was raising money for Macmillan cancer, ran into difficulty when his bike became badly damaged. He said: "On the third day home Matthew's bike could only reach a speed of 35mph. I wouldn't describe the bike as dead, just sleeping."

The money will also pay for the restoration of a Czech Sefer Torah, owned by the synagogue, which was damaged in the war.

His donation was boosted by contributions from the Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities.

He said: "Sometimes people think there is a clash in society, but really there isn't – it's very heart-warming."